HC Deb 03 February 1958 vol 581 cc134-5W
84. Mr. Prentice

asked the Minister of Health the number of physiotherapists employed in hospitals and other parts of the National Health Service; whether he is satisfied that this number is adequate; and what steps are being taken to improve the situation.

Mr. Walker-Smith

At 31st December, 1956, hospital authorities in England and Wales employed the equivalent of 3,918 full-time physiotherapists, but information about numbers employed by local health authorities is not available. Although the number employed in hospitals has been increasing there is still some shortage. Salary increases have recently been made, and I propose shortly to ask hospital boards to review their services with a view to making the most effective use of available staff.